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Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist: Predella Panels

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This is the lowest part (the predella) of an altarpiece that depicts Saint John the Baptist in its central panel, baptising Christ in the river Jordan. At either end of the predella are two standing saints: Saint Benedict on the left and Saint Romuald on the right.

The scene on the left shows the moment that Zacharias, John’s father, found out that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son, despite their age. According to the Gospel of Luke, he was making an offering at the temple when the Archangel Gabriel appeared and announced that Elizabeth would conceive. The next scene shows Gabriel’s words coming true: Elizabeth is in bed after giving birth. The right-hand section of the predella shows John’s death: he was beheaded, and his head presented on a platter to Herod, King of the Jews.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist: Predella Panels

Date

1387

Medium

Egg tempera on wood

Measurements

H 47.5 x W 200 cm

Accession number

NG579.5

Acquisition method

Bought, 1857

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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